When should we expect to see the ballots? When should we send them back?

Registered online voters will receive an email invitation from electionrunner.com on May 1. This email will contain a link taking you directly to the voting site to fill out your ballot; alternatively, navigate to electionrunner.com and enter the personal voter key and password provided in the email invitation. Online ballots must be submitted by the end of the day on May 20.

Registered paper-ballot voters will receive a ballot during the first few days of May, together with printed candidate statements and a stamped envelope for submitting the ballot. Paper ballots must be received by May 22, 2020 or brought in person to the Massachusetts Open by noon on Saturday, May 23.

These dates are subject to change due to the state of emergency in Massachusetts. Under the MACA By-Laws, if the date of the Annual Meeting is changed, the election dates will also change.

How will the online ballots be distributed?

Registered online voters will receive an email invitation from electionrunner.com on May 1. This email will contain a link taking you directly to the voting site to fill out your ballot; alternatively, navigate to electionrunner.com and enter the personal voter key and password provided in the email invitation. Online ballots must be submitted by the end of the day on May 20.

Registered paper-ballot voters will receive a ballot during the first few days of May, together with printed candidate statements and a stamped envelope for submitting the ballot. Paper ballots must be received by May 22, 2020 or brought in person to the Massachusetts Open by noon on Saturday, May 23.

Who will be tallying the votes?

The Elections Commission will tally both the online ballots and the paper ballots. The ballots will be examined to ensure validity (for example, no more than 8 directors voted for). However, the ballots will be completely anonymous, i.e there will be no voter identification associated with any ballot.

Are ballots anonymous?

Yes. Both paper ballots and online ballots are completely anonymous. At no point of online ballot review will the Elections Commission or any other persons be able to view the source of any completed ballot.

Are junior members eligible to vote?

Yes. Junior members are eligible to vote.

When will results be announced?

Results will be made public at the Massachusetts Open during Memorial Day weekend.

How do I register to vote?

To register for an online ballot, email election@masschess.org with full name and unique email address by February 29, 2020.

To register for a paper ballot, send a letter to Bob Messenger at 4 Hamlett Dr. #12, Nashua, NH 03062, postmarked no later than February 23. You can email election@masschess.org to confirm that your registration request has been received.

If I registered last year, do I have to register again this year?

No. If you registered for either an online or paper ballot in past years and are still a MACA member, you do not need to register again unless your address has changed. Make sure to notify us of any change in voting preference, mailing address or e-mail. New members who joined MACA after March 2019 will need to register to vote in this election. Once registered, you will remain registered for future elections as long as you remain a MACA member.

How can I nominate a candidate for officer or director?

Members may stand for election for one of MACA's 4 officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer or Clerk) or 8 directors. The submission deadline for nominations is February 15, 2020. In order to be eligible to run, memberships must be valid through the end of the upcoming term (June 2021).